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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Identification of Pharmaceuticals in The Aquatic Environment Using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and Elimination of Erythromycin Through Photo-Induced Degradation

Identification of Pharmaceuticals in The Aquatic Environment Using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and Elimination of Erythromycin Through Photo-Induced Degradation

Published on: August 1, 2018

Plastic photodegradation under simulated marine conditions.

Annalisa Delre¹, Maaike Goudriaan¹, Victor Hernando Morales²

¹NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, 't Horntje (Texel), the Netherlands.

Marine Pollution Bulletin

|January 14, 2023

Summary

Solar ultraviolet radiation significantly degrades ocean plastics, breaking down 1.7-2.3% annually. This photodegradation explains lower-than-expected surface plastic levels, potentially accounting for 7-22% of all degraded floating plastic waste.

Keywords:

Microplastic Ocean plastic paradox Photodegradation

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Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Marine Chemistry
Polymer Science

Background:

Ocean plastic pollution is a growing global issue, with observed surface plastic concentrations lower than predicted.
The role of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the degradation and removal of floating marine plastics is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the photodegradation rates of various plastic types under simulated marine conditions.
To assess the contribution of UV radiation to the reduction of floating plastic debris in the ocean.

Main Methods:

Experimental measurement of photodegradation rates for different virgin polymers and plastic debris.
Simulated marine conditions including UV irradiation.
Analysis of leached products (dissolved organic carbon, gases) and calculation of degradation percentages.

Main Results:

UV irradiation induced the leaching of dissolved organic carbon and various gases (CO2, CO, CH4, hydrocarbons) from all tested plastic types.
Photodegradation rates ranged from 1.7% to 2.3% per year for the tested plastic particles under subtropical surface ocean conditions.
Modeling suggests solar UV radiation may have already degraded 7% to 22% of all floating plastic ever released into the sea.

Conclusions:

Solar UV radiation is a significant factor in the degradation of floating ocean plastics, contributing to lower-than-expected surface plastic loads.
Photodegradation rates quantified in this study provide crucial data for understanding plastic longevity and fate in marine environments.